Each issue features
a motivating topic from Maggie’s recently published
book, The Open
Heart Companion: Preparation and Guidance for Open-Heart
Surgery Recovery (Open Heart Publishing,
June 2006). My selection of a topic for this month
is taken from Chapter 10, "More
on the Jagged Progress Forward."
The book’s Table
of Contents, leading surgeon and cardiologist
endorsements, and ordering information is on the
website: www.openheartcoach.com/TheBook.html. |
|
Having
Patience
Having patience is a must.
I discovered there’s a trick to getting through the
seemingly endless recovery weeks: invite an affirmative
mental attitude to accompany you. Take stock daily—maybe
by gazing out your window in simple contemplation—and
remind yourself of all the good in your life, of everyone
and everything you are grateful for. Try to continuously
refresh the notion that you are in a temporary state
of mind and body. You are healing, and yes, the
process may seem slow, redundant, but you will come to
a point—or several points—when you will notice
significant stamina has returned.
Such an exercise in patience is something
not all of us are good at. (It was certainly a challenge
for me.) So my advice is to affirm small positive recovery
results every day. Reach out for appealing and comforting
activities for spending these days: cook up tempting (and
healthy) menus, choose locations to do your walking in
fresh air, plan low-key outings (with your next nap at
home in mind), indulge yourself with inspirational music
and books, a game of Scrabble, comedy movie rentals, giggly
conversations with your nearest and dearest. You will definitely
experience cabin fever during this long recovery period,
so please give yourself permission to spoil yourself silly.
Indulge in a weekly massage at home, rent a comfy recliner,
hire a musician to serenade you and your loving caregiver
for dinner, plan your next vacation and begin the reservation
process now.
Here is an upbeat share from a heart patient
in the UK, just a few weeks after a valve replacement,
with some good observations about starting Warfarin (Coumadin):
There is so much I would like to say
but it would echo much of your good advice & guidance.
Happily, the physical side of the op has gone well, & I
did not need a by-pass, but it has been a winding road
with mood & patience, trying not to go too fast.
Also, I have found it's taken time to
get used to the Warfarin, the diet issues, & therapeutic
levels. I have discovered a very helpful American site "Dr.
Gourmet" (Dr Tim Harlan) which has given me detailed
info & guidance about diet & impact on Warfarin
issues.
I have had "cabin fever"; better now
as my walking has got stronger & my cardio rebab
plan has commenced. I do hope to return to my gym eventually,
feeling confident I can take it. I made contact with
a support group pre- op & now join in their activities.
I am intending to return to work mid April if my family
Dr agrees. Last 12 months before my offical retirement,
(65), unless I want to go on!! Returning to Hill
Walking/ hiking is what I really want to do, & visiting
places including the U S A; Arizona & Monument
Valley, my boyhood dream, maybe not a Dude cowboy! this
leads me to say I still use the Peggy Huddleston tape,
positive thoughts & relaxation.
— Michael,
from the UK
Feedback Request
Please email me at Maggie@openheartcoach.com with
your observations and experiences which will be informative
to others for future issues of Heart
to Heart. Please
include your name, city and state. Please also
tell me what else you would like to see covered in
this monthly newsletter. Thank
you!
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SUPPORT Group
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